We often hear:

If you want to cross over, you must build a bridge

If you want your children to be good at letters,

They should love their teachers.[1]

(“Build a Bridge [Bắc Cầu Kiều],” Lê Hoa)

This verse speaks of the important role of the teacher. The tradition revering teachers and religion is deeply embedded in the minds of Vietnamese people. The tradition is even more pronounced in monastic life:

Thanks to teaching, we can have an insightful life

Forever hard to repay the debt of gratitude to masters.[2]

Masters are teachers who are always devoted and work hard for future generations, unafraid of severe weather such as heat, cold, rain, etc. Masters, who regularly come to class to transmit the Buddha's teachings to us with the aim of assisting us to understand the Dharma, maintain the light of liberation over the years.

On the occasion of Teachers' Day on November 20, 2019, and also the occasion of Venerable Bhikkhuni Giới Hương celebrating forty years of study and service in Buddhism, we have the opportunity to express our gratitude to her. We know that phenomena in the world are impermanent and changing, but there is one exception to that rule: that is, liberating wisdom.

We earnestly pray for Venerable Bhikkhuni Thích Nữ Giới Hương and our other masters to attain wisdom early to guide us to the ultimate destination on the path to enlightenment.

Namo Amitabha Buddha.

Vietnam Buddhist University, November 20, 2019

Best regards,

Bhikkhu Đồng Thành

Course 13, Pali Translation class

[1] “Build a Bridge (Bắc Cầu Kiều),” Lê Hoa. Translated from Vietnamese into English by Bhikkhuni Giới Hương.

Please visit: http://www.khoavanhoc.edu.vn/index.php/nghiencuu-dangian/1502-mu-n-sang-thi-b-c-c-u-ki-u.

[2] Folk verse in Buddhism, unknown author, Mời xem, http://www.duocsu.org/008tsds_5/572ts_31.html.

Please read all articles and view all photos:5.7._Connect_a_Brigde-_Bhikkhu_Dong_Thanh.pdf